Tarmons Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 No...not really. I live over 150 klms from the nearest hydrotherapy centre and we don't have any swimming areas nearby at all. I don't have a swimming pool. Most of the time it was just free running and walking on a variety of surfaces... grass, gravel, sand, bitumen etc -up 'n' down hills. She doesn't do any jumping....I pulled her from the Trial ring because of the jumps. When the Vets saw her original xrays, I was told that she would be lucky if she got to 7 years of age. The physios have been wonderful. They have done a great job with her... keeping her mobile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 One of my BC bitches with otherwise good hips, managed to subluxate both her hips out of the sockets by about 1-2cm after a litter. She kept running and jumping up until and after the whelping, when the hip ligaments were slack to allow for the whelping. The vet advised me to not let her run at all but to swim her and teach her to pull into a harness for short walks to tighten the hip ligaments, as well as supplementing with Vit C. We re-x-rayed her 3 months later and her hips were back tight in the sockets where they had been before she was in whelp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mixeduppup Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Surgery seems very drastic without getting a second opinion by a specialist. Good luck with him , poor fella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerRottweiler Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I agree with those suggesting a secnod opinion. Good Luck Bianca with your stunning black GSD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 forgot to mention, I would be giving this product a whirl http://www.sprintergold.com/#!muscle-pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bianca.a Posted August 31, 2012 Author Share Posted August 31, 2012 Thank you all so very much. I will be getting more than one opinion for sure. I have also read that walking up hills can be beneficial, sounds stupid of me but would anyone have any idea of ideal gradient? Thank you Dancinbcs, do you recall what type of harness or would it not matter? Thank you Nekhbet, do you think that would be something short-term? I will email to ask about price/delivery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bianca.a Posted August 31, 2012 Author Share Posted August 31, 2012 Thank you all so very much. I will be getting more than one opinion for sure. I have also read that walking up hills can be beneficial, sounds stupid of me but would anyone have any idea of ideal gradient? Thank you Dancinbcs, do you recall what type of harness or would it not matter? Thank you Nekhbet, do you think that would be something short-term? I will email to ask about price/delivery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I use the muscle powder for my older bitch on and off to keep her going after she had acidosis, there is also a high vitamin E product that helps degeneration. The oil made by sprinter gold would be something to consider too as retail is only about $12 for 500mls! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Thank you all so very much. I will be getting more than one opinion for sure. I have also read that walking up hills can be beneficial, sounds stupid of me but would anyone have any idea of ideal gradient? Thank you Dancinbcs, do you recall what type of harness or would it not matter? Thank you Nekhbet, do you think that would be something short-term? I will email to ask about price/delivery. I don't think the type of harness matters so long as it is comfortable and walking steadily up a slight incline helps with the dog just pulling enough to make the rear work and not for long enough to make them sore. I probably wouldn't tackle steep hills either, just enough that you are aware it is uphill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe001 Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 If you wish to get a harness for pulling I would get a sleddog cross over harness - like those made by 'windchill'. They are made to fit the dog and because they are designed for pulling so won't put pressure on the wrong areas of your dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 I would not be walking that dog up hill at all in her condition. Flat ground, short walks at her own pace. Uphill puts more weight onto the back end - swimming or grassy areas are ideal. I just noticed the pulling as well I would strongly recommend against that too in any way shape or form as it puts pressure on the hips and elbows as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 I agree with nekhnet- if he just had muscle wastage that would be different, but he's structurally unsound, which is entirely different. at least consult s specialist before any exercise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bianca.a Posted September 1, 2012 Author Share Posted September 1, 2012 Thank you! I will hold off the hills then. That does make so much sense. I just need it to warm up for swimming. The specialist via my vet said restricted exercise so I will find out exactly what he means. My foster dog leaves this week so then I will have more time to knuckle down and contact some names I have been given and also try and track down hydro-therapy around this little town. I have emailed about the Greyhound products thank you very much. I really do appreciate all your help. I have never faced anything as major as this before and just want the best for my boy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 You may be able to get in contact with a Canine Physiotherapist who can put you in the right direction regarding exercise. I suggest getting in contact even if you do have surgery as they can work magic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaves Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 Kate Haines is out in morwell and traralgon - she was fantastic with daire. Good luck with Coop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bianca.a Posted September 2, 2012 Author Share Posted September 2, 2012 Thank you! I have a list of questions a mile long! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 I had a male who had pretty bad hips (he had virtually no sockets) he lived to the ripe old age of 11½. I would find for your boy a good doggy muscle man though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bianca.a Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 Thank you Tash, do you mean a physio? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tash Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 (edited) Like a physio. There would be German Shepherd people who would know of a good one near you. We have a guy up here he is like a god!! He does alot of top show dogs and he also looked after my boy. My boy got on just fine with trips to the god and Ester C, there is also other great joint items for later in life. I think my boys x-rays were worse than your boys from memory although it was a long time ago like 18 years ago. Edited September 5, 2012 by Tash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Dogs In Motion in Doveton is apparently very highly regarded. They also have a therapy pool on site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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